Once symbols of success, some luxury cars now sell surprisingly cheap—and not by accident. Here’s my list of the 19 worst, based on common complaints, costly fixes, and sharp value drops. Avoid them!
19. Tesla Model S
Ah, the electric wonder that promised the future back in the 2010s. Grab a 2015-2020 model for under $20,000 and feel like a tech whiz—until the battery cooling leaks, screens glitch out, or suspension arms give up. Tesla-only repairs? Ouch, and a new battery might set you back 10 grand. Not worth the shock!
18. Volvo S90
Swedish safety and style in a big sedan—2017-2020 versions for less than $25,000 sound tempting, right? But with spotty reliability, pricey hybrid upkeep, and trunk space smaller than your old station wagon, it’s more hassle than luxury. Skip it and save your sanity. Back when Volvos were indestructible bricks, this one’s more like a fancy eggshell.
17. Genesis GV80
Hyundai’s fancy SUV cousin from 2021 onward, now around $30,000 used. Premium insides, smooth ride—but that gimmicky “mood curator” with lights and smells? It glitches like a bad ’70s disco ball, leading to electrical woes and big shop bills. Not the bargain it seems. Who needs a car that plays DJ with scents?
16. Audi A3
Entry-level Audi fun from 2015-2018, often under $15,000. Sporty, sure, but the engine feels pokey, turbos fail, and transmissions act up. Remember when cars just ran? This one’s a reminder of why we miss those days.
15. Mercedes-Benz CLS
That sleek “four-door coupe” look from 2012-2016, yours for $20,000 or less. Stylish, but suspension and electrics break like clockwork, with fixes over two grand each time. Flashy on the outside, frustrating underneath. Mercedes used to mean solid gold, but this CLS is fool’s pyrite.
14. Cadillac Escalade
Big, bold American luxury from 2010-2015, under $25,000 now. Gas guzzler at 15 mpg, handles like a boat, and repairs for that V8? Forget it—your wallet will feel the pain more than your back in those seats. Caddies were once road kings, but this ‘Lade is a dethroned tyrant.
13. Jaguar XJ
British elegance with V8 growl, 2011-2015 models for $15,000. But engines leak oil, carbon builds up, and parts are rarer than a good pension these days. Charm wears thin when you’re stranded. Jags were Bond’s ride, suave and swift, but this XJ is a more villainous trap.
12. Jaguar F-Pace
Sporty SUV from 2017-2020, around $25,000. Fun to drive, but bumpy ride, no storage, and electrics that flicker like old tube TVs. Jaguar repairs? Might as well light money on fire. Remember smooth cruisers without jiggles? F-Pace jars bones on bumps, storage skimpy as a glovebox, electrics, crash, infotainment, and sensors.
11. Audi A6
Midsize with all-wheel drive, 2014-2018 for under $20,000. Tech-loaded, but reliability’s a joke—tiny trunk, turbo troubles, and bills that add up fast. Who needs that stress in retirement? Audis once gripped roads like glue, but this A6 slips into chaos. Oil leaks flood garages, turbos bomb out power, suspensions rattle teeth loose.
10. Audi A7
Hatchback style from 2012-2017, under $25,000. Practical? Sort of, but oil-guzzling engines and tranny failures make it a lemon in disguise. Save your dough for something dependable.
9. BMW 5 Series
Driving machine from 2014-2018, $15,000-$25,000 range. Thrilling, until electronics fry, oil leaks everywhere, and maintenance hits like a tax bill. Not the joyride it promises.
8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The king of luxury, 2014-2017 for $25,000-$35,000. Air suspension flops, electrics go haywire, and fixes? Astronomical. Even kings fall—hard on your bank account. S-Class was regal ride heaven, now it’s repair hell. Airmatic pumps die dropping it flat—$2k+, electrics haunt everything from screens to locks.
7. BMW 3 Series
Classic sport sedan, 2006-2011 335i under $10,000. But fuel systems fail, turbos blow, oil leaks galore—it’s like owning a finicky old friend who costs a fortune.
6. Jaguar XF
Midsize sleekness from 2016-2020, about $20,000. Performance lags, screens glitch, and Jaguar parts? Pricey as heck. Better off with your trusty old Buick. Jags promised panther prowess, but XF lags with turbo delay, infotainment crashes, electrics falter. Dash bubbles, USB dies, superchargers whine out. Fuel leaks from recalls risk fires. Parts rare and dear, costs beat rivals. Mechanics say “feline fiasco.” Flee.
5. Maserati Ghibli
Italian exotic from 2014-2018, $20,000. Ferrari engine sounds great—until electrics fail and build quality shows its true colors. Maintenance? Supercar-level pain.
4. BMW 7 Series
Flagship comfort, 2013-2017 under $25,000. But engines and gadgets break constantly, with repairs in the five figures. Luxury? More like a luxury headache.
3. Maserati Quattroporte
Grand tourer from 2014-2018, down to $25,000. Exotic appeal fades with cheap interiors, constant breakdowns, and bills that scream “mistake!” Quattroporte promised grand opera, delivers tragic comedy. Electrical glitches without Bluetooth, ergonomic cramps, timing chains snap, and engines.
2. BMW X5
Sporty SUV from 2010-2015, under $15,000. Dynamic, sure, but engines implode, oil leaks, suspension sags—total money pit that’ll leave you broke and bitter.
X5 handled like a sports car in boots, but boots leak. Engines overheat to doom, oil pans weep, turbos fail. Suspensions crumble, electrics zap lights and screens. Diesels’ emissions choke, $1k+ yearly fixes. Without care, it’s junk. Mechanics warn “X marks the spot—for cash drain.” X it out.
1. Range Rover Sport
Off-road luxury from 2014-2018, $20,000-$30,000. Sounds adventurous, but air suspension dies, electrics fry, oil leaks everywhere—and dealer fixes cost more than the car! The ultimate “do not buy” champ. Rovers conquered wilds, but this Sport conquers wallets. Air ride collapses flat, cam chains wear out, diesels, and infotainment blacks out.
Bottom line: These “deals” can drain your nest egg faster than inflation. Stick with reliable picks like a Lexus or Acura—they’ll treat you right without the drama. Get that inspection, folks, and maybe splurge on a warranty if you must. Drive safe!